Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• opposite
• contrary
• unfavorable
• diametric
• polar
• divergent
• antipodal
• negative
• hostile
• antagonistic
• antipodean
• adverse
• unlike
• dissimilar
• counter
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• alien
• inverse
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

Wikipedia’s fundamental premise, that consensus can be reached on what is true and what is not true through the process of courteous debate and reference to expert sources, feels depressingly antithetical to the way that society seems to be going. —Imogen West-Knights, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026

This is antithetical to the kind of law and order the nation needs and that Trump is trying to enforce. —Nicole Russell, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

For me, the idea of folklore actively encourages us to be less precious with our myths and legends, which is antithetical to how we’re made to believe storytelling should be today. —Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

That would be antithetical to her status as a premier trendsetter and tastemaker. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2026

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